Chapter 9
Morning couldn’t come quick enough for Harry, he needed to talk to Ginny as soon as possible and lying around waiting for breakfast or a chance meeting in the common room was going to drive him crazy. He didn’t leave the confines of his bed until he could hear the birds usher in the twilight of morning.
As quietly as possible, he pulled back the bed hangings and changed into jeans, t-shirt and one of his Weasley jumpers. Taking a quick look at his hair, he shrugged and figured it wouldn’t matter much since he had Quidditch practice this morning. Bending over, he reached under his bed for his Firebolt.
It had been ages since he had taken an early morning ride and thought now would be the perfect opportunity - some of his best ideas came on the freedom of his broom. Before leaving the dormitory, he looked back to Neville, Seamus, Dean and Ron, making sure that he did not disturb them in their slumber as he shut the door behind him.
He was on his way down the staircase when his heart skipped a beat. He could see Ginny’s head lulled against the arm of the chair she was curled up in. Leaning his broom against the banister, he quietly crept around the grouping to see if she was awake.
“Hey” Ginny murmured before he could fully face her. Harry took a seat on the floor in front of her so that they met eye to eye.
“Hey” He tenderly returned the greeting. “Couldn’t sleep?”
“Neither could you.” She smiled faintly, lifted her head and rubbed her sore, tired eyes.
Harry studied her face in the silence, her eyes were bloodshot and told him of her sorrow, even the freckles that kissed her nose and cheeks paled with her complexion.
“Ginny, come fly with me.” He asked her softly.
“Now?” She asked him looking up at the window; it was too early in the morning. “The sun’s not even up yet.”
“Miss Weasley, please come fly with me?”
It was the longing in his voice that prompted Ginny to accept his offer.
“I’ll go and get my broom.” Ginny scooted out of her chair but Harry intercepted her before she could move any further.
“You don’t need your broom Ginny, I’ve got mine.” Harry went for his Firebolt and returned to her side.
“But- I’m not dressed to go outside... Look at me.” Ginny looked down at herself, she was wearing purple plaid pajama bottoms, a lilac Weird Sisters t-shirt she received from Tonks and a pair of turquoise fuzzy slippers.
“You look- you’re fine. I’m not afraid of your slippers.” Harry told her as he offered her his free arm - the other shouldered his broom. “Let’s go while we have the chance.”
He felt an inexplicable relief when Ginny’s wrist finally rested above his as it had done so many times earlier that summer. They hurried through the portrait hole; their hands slipping towards each other’s as Harry lead her down the stairs and along the empty corridors. By the time they made it to the oak front doors, her hand was firmly in his. Harry let go only to pry open the solid oak doors of Hogwarts before recapturing the momentum. Squeezing out between the crack, Harry and Ginny made it outside. Ginny shivered when the cool morning air breached the warmth of the castle, being the gentleman that he is, Harry pulled off his jumper and gave it to Ginny.
Without hesitation, she pulled it over her own head, he watched as she relaxed in the warmth left by him. Ginny ran her hands around the nape of her neck to free her scarlet locks; catching his gaze, she smiled a wordless thank-you. He took her hand again and they ran out onto the dew-covered grass away from the shadow of the castle.
Not ever having flown with another person on his broom, not even knowing if it could be safely done, he straddled the Firebolt. Ginny instinctively sat side-saddled in front of him, his arms reached around her waist to gain control. He gently kicked off the ground. It was a little wobbly at first, but they found their balance quickly, both being excellent fliers.
The cool air rushed past as they climbed higher and higher into the multi-colored sky, the sun barely peeking over the mountainous horizon. Ginny leaned back into his chest as they sped towards the far side of the lake, her head found its niche against his as her hair danced behind them. Harry noticed that her eyes were closed as he repositioned his body to better accommodate hers and still maintain steady control.
They flew in silence as Harry took them over the beautiful, rugged grounds of Hogwarts, careful not to leave its protection. When the sun had made its full and glorious appearance, Harry eased his broom down onto a hillside overlooking the castle. Feeling the decent, Ginny opened her eyes and pulled away from Harry. She dismounted gracefully after touchdown and sat on a nearby boulder, waiting for Harry to join her.
“Thank you.” She whispered as he sat next to her.
“Thank you.” Harry replied.
“It’s beautiful up here, you can see everything.” Ginny shook her head slightly as she took in the view.
“Yeah, it’s beautiful.” Harry sighed before he continued, “Ginny, what’s wrong?”
“You know, Harry.” She said, as she pulled up her legs to her chest and started to pick at a clump of fuzz on her slipper.
“Maybe you should tell me, then I’ll know if I know that you know that I know.” Harry tried to lighten the mood, to ease the tension that had built back up since they landed. “Seriously Ginny, what’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing.” Ginny sighed.
“It’s not nothing.” He retorted.
They sat in silence until Harry broke in, “I’m not taking you back to the castle until you tell me.”
“Fine, I’ll walk back.” Ginny got up and surveyed the steep hillside, looking for the least dangerous path.
“Suit yourself.” He stated calmly.
“You can’t tell me what to do, Potter!” Ginny was on the cusp of exploding, tears welled up behind her eyes.
Harry could feel her rise as he watched her pace in front of him. She looked like a wounded animal that had been cornered, desperately searching for a way out. Lucky for him, he was the only one equipped with a wand. Harry knew that he didn’t need to say anything else - sooner or later she’d break.
Finally it happened. Ginny spun around towards the castle and collapsed in a scream of frustration to the ground and was followed by stiffled sobs.
“Let me help you.” Harry said over her gasps, still sitting on the boulder.
“You can’t!” Choking back, she answered.
“Yes, I can.” His voice was steady and calm.
“He’s not kidding, it’s not a joke. He has help. I hear things in the hall.”
“I know.” Harry picked up a small rock and examined it between his fingers.
“You can’t- sniff be- sniff everywhere.”
“Unfortunately, I know that too.” He said as he threw the rock off the edge of the hillside.
“Harry, I’m scared- for the both of us, for all of us.” Ginny’s voice was muffled as she rested her head on her knees.
“So am I.” He admitted to her, surprised by his own openness.
“I thought that I could handle it, all of it.... by myself.”
“You don’t have to, Ginny. I know you’re quite capable, but some things are bigger than all of us. It isn’t your responsibility to carry it by yourself.” Harry tried his best to relieve her weight, which was his burden to carry.
The two sat in the serenity of their surroundings, watching an owl glide effortlessly on an updraft, returning from its nocturnal hunt to the Owlery tower.
“How did this happen? Ginny asked at last. "Why?”
“I don’t know, maybe it has something to do with the Chamber... Dumbledore basically said that I’d figure it out sooner or later... I don’t know how I’m doing it; it’s not on purpose.... Are you mad?”
“No, I think I knew all along. I knew for sure on your birthday. It scared me at first, when I realized what was happening.” Ginny finally looked over her shoulder at him, “I’m sorry about your head.”
“I deserved it.” Harry smiled.
“I didn’t really mean to.” She said before turning back around.
“Neither did I... I’ll try not to do it again,” Harry took a deep breath before admitting his latest invasion to the back of her head. “I didn’t mean to, you know, last night... your dream.”
“I could tell when you were there, it helped...” Ginny brushed her fingers through her hair, absently tugging away at the snarls. “I felt better somehow. I managed to get some sleep.”
“Dumbledore says I need to hide it from Voldemort. He thinks he’ll use you to get to me, like he did with Sirius.”
“He’s already used me once to get to you, I’m sure he wouldn’t think twice before doing it again.”
“If I hide it well enough and keep up with my Occlumency, Voldemort won’t have to know. I don’t want him to hurt you again.”
“So what’s the plan, how do we handle the lesser of the two evils?”
Harry rejoined her side as he thought about what to do.
“Dobby can help.” He said after a few minutes.
“Dobby, good idea.” Ginny laughed a little through a sniff. “What about Dean?”
“What about him?” Harry was disappointed that Dean had wedged himself between him and Ginny yet again.
“Well, he can keep an eye on things too?” Ginny shrugged.
“I suppose.” This time it was Harry who looked away. “Does he even know about Malfoy?”
“No.”
“Why not?” He thought it was a simple question that deserved a simple answer.
“Because I can’t tell him.” Ginny’s voice was slightly raised as she looked straight at him.
“Why?” Harry was getting frustrated, part of him wanted her to see just how wrong Dean was for her.
“Because I don’t want him to know, that’s why.” Ginny was getting agitated with the volley.
“He’s your boyfriend, isn’t that something boyfriends are supposed to know?” His question was tainted with an edge he hadn’t expected.
“He’s not like you, Harry.” The color had returned to her face, “It’s not like us.”
“Not like us?” Harry fired back thinking, ‘what’s that supposed to mean?’
“Just drop it, Harry.” Ginny finished the subject before it got out of hand.
Feeling a small bit of satisfaction, knowing that she knew that something was different between them, between her and Dean, was enough and he didn’t push it any further.
“I have another idea, but I need to see if it’ll work first.” Harry got up and pulled Ginny to her feet, then went back towards the boulder and his Firebolt.
“Harry?” She asked, looking one last time at Hogwarts below.
“Yeah?” He answered while removing a weed lodged in the twigs of his broom, expecting another round.
“Promise me?” There was an open vulnerability in her request.
“Do you really have to ask?” Harry started, but then felt her need to hear it. He put his broom down and stood behind her, his hands enveloping her shoulders, his chin brushing her hair as he whispered, “With my life, Ginny.”
“With my life.” She replied as her right hand crossed over her chest, over her heart, meeting his at her shoulder. They stood together on the edge of the day, the edge of the darkness.
“Come on, we better get back.” Harry broke himself away, reaching for his Firebolt. “You’ve got to impress the Quidditch Captain and he just might need a new Seeker if he knew I’ve had you out in your pajamas.”
Taking up their positions, they flew back down castle. Harry was careful not to fly too close to any windows, more than a few eyebrows would be raised if anyone saw them together. When they landed at the stalwart doors, Ginny pulled off his sweater and tossed it back, she then flashed him a cheeky smile. Harry opened the door and let her in, waiting a few minutes so she could make it back to the tower before going inside and directly to the Great Hall.
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“Um.... Alright, I’d like to welcome all of you to the Gryffindor Quidditch tryouts.” Ron said nervously to the gathering of students on the pitch. “For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Ron Weasley - Keeper and Captain, this is Harry Potter our Seeker, and Katie Bell - Chaser.”
Harry and Katie waved ‘hello’ to the group of sick looking students in their turn. Ginny was standing in the back next to Hermione who was there for moral support. Seamus and the Creevey brothers were in the crowd of recruits along with last year’s replacement Beaters Jack Sloper and Andrew Kirke.
“We have four, um, positions available this year, two chasers and two beaters. We’ll start out with a few laps around the pitch, Harry will lead you out and then we’ll break up into two groups.” After checking to see that the group had understood his directions, Ron, followed by Katie and Harry, took off.
Harry led the flock around the pitch a few times while Ron held up to watch everyone fly. He looked back to see a couple of second-years collide with each other, nearly knocking them off their brooms. Ginny, he noticed, wasn’t too far behind him and was weaving casually in and out of the fray, clearly enjoying herself. After several laps of speeding up, slowing down and sharp S turns, Harry led the survivors back onto the pitch.
“Okay, well... that wasn’t so bad.” Ron tried to encourage those who had a rough go at the laps, “Beaters with Harry, Chasers with Katie.”
Ginny smiled at Harry as she walked by to join Katie and the rest of the students vying for the Chaser positions that included the Creevey brothers.
Harry took the left side of the pitch and waited for everyone interested in becoming a beater to join him. Seamus, Andrew, Jack, a handful of scrawny looking second-years and a couple of third and fourth years filled out the crew.
Grabbing a couple of bats from the ball trunk, Harry divided his group into pairs. The first set was given to Andrew and Jack who Harry told to spread out and see if they could hit the Bludger back and forth. Once in the air, he released the demonic ball and watched as they went to work. Jack seemed to improve over the summer. Andrew, taking a giant swing, missed the Bludger seconds before it hit him squarely in the face. Blood was streaming out of his nose by the time Harry had flown over to check him out.
“Jack, take him to the hospital wing, will you? Pinch your nose, Andrew, it’ll stop it from bleeding so badly.” Harry scanned the pitch for the loose Bludger, when he saw it circling around the lowest goal post; he called back to the group. “Seamus, get that Bludger.”
Obediently, Seamus left the ground and took off for the rogue Bludger. Jack and Andrew had landed and waded through the queue of potential beaters on their way to see Madame Pomfrey. A few of the second and third year students, once they saw the condition of Andrew’s nose, changed their mind about becoming a Beater and left the pitch shortly after.
Harry called up the three students that had decided to stay for the tryouts and directed them to each take a bat and hit the Bludger amongst themselves and Seamus. After about twenty minutes, Ron came over to assess the Beater candidates.
“How’s it going?” Ron asked as he watched the group of four dodge, duck, and belt the Bludger back and forth.
“Well, Andrew broke his nose I think. I sent him and Jack to take care of it.” Harry said as they both ducked a misplaced hit. “These few are all that’s left.”
“Seamus seems to be doing well.” Ron said as he watched him pelt the Bludger.
“Yeah, I think our best chance this year is with Seamus and Jack.” Harry then added, “But you’re the Captain, so it’s your call.”
“Nah, from the looks of it, you’re right.” Ron got the words out just before he veered to the left as the Bludger whizzed by.
When he returned Harry asked, “So how’s the Chaser situation looking?”
“Ginny is the best of the bunch, and I’m not being partial. Dennis Creevey looks pretty good too. He’s small, but fast and able to move well. We’ll just have to work in the fact that he has to do it while carrying the Quaffle.” Ron chuckled at the irony of the situation.
“About to call it a day, Captain?” Harry asked.
“Yeah, lets bring’em down.” Ron left for the other end of the pitch where the Chasers were practicing goals.
When everyone had gathered in the center of the field with their legs firmly on the ground and the Bludger locked safely in the trunk, Ron gave his closing remarks.
“I’d like to thank everyone for trying out. I’ll be posting the team roster on the house bulletin board on Sunday afternoon. Now go and get some lunch, I’m sure most of you missed breakfast!” Ron finished with a laugh as he remembered his own dismal tryouts; it seemed to ease nerves of his fellow housemates.
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Late in the afternoon, Harry found some time to himself. Ron and Hermione had a prefect meeting to attend, Ginny was with Dean, and even Neville had plans of his own.
Recalling the morning’s ride with Ginny, he left the common room to organize his trunk, hoping to find what he was looking for.
He emptied his belongs out onto his bed and took stock of what he had: Three school robes, four Dudley-sized t-shirts, three jumpers, six pairs of socks that needed to be replaced badly, two pairs of very loose fitting jeans, two Gryffindor scarves and a tie, his green dress robe, the Marauders map, and his father’s invisibility cloak. His Broomstick Servicing Kit, Wand Care Kit, course texts and the scheduling diary Hermione gave him along with all the other books he now owned thanks to her, plus two extra ink bottles, four quills, a bundle of parchment, cauldron, potion supplies. He also had his Firebolt, a rock cake from Hagrid dating back a few years, photo album, eight chocolate frog cards, and handful of lint-covered Bertie Botts Beans. The very last item he pulled from his trunk had been the one he had been looking for. Still wrapped in a piece of felt were the broken shards of Sirius’ mirror, reverently he placed them onto his bed.
Methodically he replaced the items back into his trunk, carefully remembering where each item sat and what items were near it. Smartly, Harry tossed the furry beans and other items that he deemed useless into the rubbish bin where they belonged. He took a quick peek at the map before tucking it between the folds of his dress robe. When the lid was closed and the job done, Harry carefully pocketed the contents wrapped in felt and headed off towards his destination.
Harry knocked on the door.
“Enter.” He heard through the wooden door.
Harry stepped over the threshold and into the office of Professor Lupin.
“Harry! How’s your first week back?” He asked as he ushered him across the room and through another door.
“Would you care to join me?” Lupin poured himself a spot of tea at a small table behind an orange and green striped sofa and reached for a second cup before Harry could answer.
“Uh, sure.” He answered, taking a seat on the ill-favored sofa.
Harry had never been in a teacher’s living quarters before. He’d been to the Dark Arts professor’s office many times under its various occupants, even with Lupin, but failed to notice the door to the adjacent room. It was small - there was a four-poster, nightstand, dressing area and armoire in the far corner opposite the door. The seating area where the sofa sat included two wooden chairs and a bulky coffee table.
“Do you like it?” Lupin asked Harry as he continued to pour the tea. “Umbridge had colored the walls a nauseating pink and left her frilly doilies on every thing. The first thing I did was to get rid of them. Basic brown suits me just fine, thank-you. Here’s your tea Harry.” Lupin handed him the cup before he settled into one of the sturdy chairs in front of him.
“Umbridge,” Harry grunted before sipping his tea, “Everything about her is nauseating.”
“Well, I suppose you’re not here to reminisce about your favorite professor, Harry. What’s on your mind?” Lupin cut to the chase.
Setting his tea down onto the coffee table, Harry got up and carefully removed the contents of his pocket and laid them out in front of him.
“Sirius’ mirror.” Lupin sighed as he touched the broken fragments.
“Do you know where the other one is?” Harry asked hopefully.
“Yes, I do.” Lupin got up and walked over to the armoire. He opened it up and brought a small box back to the table. He unlocked it with quick wave of his wand and the top gently flipped open. Wrapped in a matching piece of felt, Lupin removed the second mirror. “Here it is, Harry.” Lupin sat the whole mirror next to its shattered companion.
“Sirius told me you had the other half, so after he... passed.... I kept an eye out for it. I found it with a few of his other most prized possessions.” Lupin looked longingly at the set. “I know that he would have wanted you to have it.”
“Can I? I mean, does it still work?” Harry asked solemnly. Memories of the first time he tried to use it, after Sirius had died, pained him.
“I don’t see why not, we could fix the broken one.” Lupin looked up at Harry, trying to read what he had in mind.
“No, if it still works... don’t fix it.” Harry picked up the whole mirror and a large shard of the other. “More than one might come in handy.”
“I gather you wish to give them to Ron and Hermione then?”
“Yeah, Ginny too.” He replied, examining the broken edge. “So, does it work?”
“Let’s find out.” Lupin rose from his chair, took a fragment from the table and walked out of the room.
Harry gaze into the full mirror. At first it was just his reflection looking a back at him through the fog of the old mirror. Just as he blinked, he jumped a bit when Lupin’s face and voice appeared on the other side.
“Hi Harry.” He said with a smile.
“Hi” Harry repeated.
Lupin returned shortly afterwards, returning the piece he took with the others. “They work just fine.”
“Yeah, they do.” Harry felt relief mixed with sadness, he wanted to talk to Sirius again -he missed him.
The room was quiet except for the occasional the sound of sipping tea while they both drifted into their own memories of Sirius.
“Is there anything else I can help you with? Is everything alright?” Lupin asked, setting his empty cup on the table. “You’re not planning another outing are you?”
“No, I’m not.” Harry answered, then with reluctance added, “It’s Malfoy - he’s up to something. I don’t know what... but I’m worried about Ginny.” He could feel his face warm as he said her name.
“Oh.” Lupin replied plainly aware of his young friend’s blush. “Why do you say that?”
“Well, on the train... on our way here, he threatened her.” Harry recalled his words specifically to himself.
“Did anyone else hear him do this?” His eyebrows rose as he asked him.
“Ron, Hermione, and Neville and Luna were in the cabin when it happened. But nobody really heard but Ginny.” He shrugged.
Lupin cast a knowing look at Harry, “And you...” Harry’s stomach flipped, “Did you hear him?”
“No, not directly.” Harry directed his eyes away from Lupin and to the floor.
“Oh.... I see.” Lupin smiled gently, “Dumbledore told me you were making some progress in your classes. Isn’t that right?”
“Yeah, you could say that.” Harry felt relieved that Lupin had an inkling as to what was happening between him and Ginny.
“We’ll keep an eye on young Mr. Malfoy. Dumbledore, I’m sure, will let the rest of the Order know, including Arthur and Molly. Thanks for the heads up.”
“Just don’t tell them it came from me. Ginny’ll have me hexed in a heartbeat.”
“You have my word.” Lupin chuckled at the fear little Ginny Weasley had over him. It reminded him of another redhead and a young man with messy black hair. “I’d be scared too.”
Harry looked a bit put out by his laughter but couldn’t help the grin growing inside him.
“Thanks, Uncle Moony.” He said when the grin broke through the surface.
“You’re welcome, Harry.”
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Dean kissed Ginny goodnight on the forehead before heading up to bed. Hermione, anticipating the ‘good-night’ kiss, grabbed Ron and distracted him; Harry on the other hand got to witness the display of affection. Ginny, Harry thought, seemed to dismiss him quickly as she settled next to Ron on the floor.
Hermione, once the room was clear, asked, “So what’s on your mind, Harry?”
He reached into his book bag and brought out the felt-wrapped mirrors. “These”
“They were my father’s and Sirius’s when they were at school.” Harry began as he passed the largest pieces to his friends. “Sirius gave me one last year, at Christmas... but I kinda... accidentally broke mine.”
“Why?” Ron asked until Hermione gave him the look.
“They’re two way mirrors. We can keep in touch when were separated. Just call my name and we can see and talk to each other.”
“Wicked!” Ron was in awe.
“These will come in handy.” Hermione said, always the practical one.
“Thanks, Harry.” Ginny simply smiled, she knew that this was what he had talked about this morning.
“Anyway, I thought it would be a good idea.” Harry wrapped the whole mirror and the extra shard and put it away. “I have another idea too... Dobby?” Harry called out for the house elf.
With a small ‘pop’ Dobby appeared by Harry’s side, hats, socks, jumpers and all.
“Harry Potter!” Dobby squealed.
Hermione eyed Harry suspiciously as the elf continued to sings his praises. Ron, however, held back his snicker.
“Harry Potter has called on Dobby! And Mr. Wheezy, and Miss Wheezy too.” Dobby recognized Hermione as well, but with less enthusiasm. “What can Dobby do for Mr. Potter and his friends?”
“Dobby?” Harry asked when the ecstatic elf calmed down to a reasonable level. “Dobby, we need your help.”
“Anything you’s ask, most kind and great Harry Potter.” Dobby bowed deeply.
“Dobby, I need you to keep an eye on Malfoy.” Harry quickly corrected himself, “Draco Malfoy to be exact.”
“Oh, I’s do not like them, Harry Potter, the Malfoys are bad, dark wizards.” Dobby glared when he mentioned his former family’s name then attempted to run directly into the wall, but Harry caught his jumper and prevented him from doing so.
“Just keep an eye on him, let us know if he’s up to no good. Can you do that Dobby?” Harry asked the elf. “I will pay you for your help.”
“Yes, oh yes Mr. Potter! But I’s do not require payment, Dobby owes everything to Harry Potter sir.” The elf agreed.
“Thanks Dobby.” He said, “I’ll get you a new pair of socks.”
With one last bow, Dobby had left.
“That was easy. I bet he’d take on Voldemort if you asked him to.” Ron joked, flinching slightly as Hermione took a well aimed swat at his head.
“I can’t believe I’ve never thought of it before.” Harry stated matter-of-factly, riling Hermione even further.
Hermione left her chair and grabbed Crookshanks around the middle, “Thanks Harry and goodnight. ‘Night Ginny” She said sweetly before glaring back, “Ronald!”
Ron just beamed, “Sweet Dreams, ‘Mione.”
Hermione left with a ‘hmmph’ at Ron’s over-zealous parting words.
When she disappeared into the girls’ dormitory, he excused himself. “Have to meet with McGonagall and go over the roster.” Seeing the incredulous look on his sister’s face he added, “Yeah, you’re in.”
“We better get some sleep.” She said to Harry as she watched him sprawl out on the couch, kicking his legs up on the back, his arms tuck in behind his head as it leaned upside-down off the seat.
“Yeah, in a minute.” He answered through a yawn.
“What are you doing?” Ginny looked at him puzzled.
He smiled at the right side-up Ginny. “Absolutely nothing.”
“Good, then neither am I.” She joined him in his peculiar posture on the couch.
The moments ticked by as they lazily gazed up at the ceiling.
“Ginny?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Thanks.”
“For what?”
“Flying with me.”
The day had ended the same way it had began, Harry and Ginny, alone in the common room.
A/N: Wow, this posted so fast I was unable to finish all the 'oops'. Please forgive them, there's a lot. Thanks again to Whizzbee, the fastest Beta in the world!! Thanks for reading and sticking with me, my reviewers.... you're too kind. Chapter 10 (currently titled) Good News, Bad News (it may change) is almost finished. With the speed of these posts, you've all caught up. I'll try and not keep you waiting too long though.